Henry Evans (RFC officer) facts for kids

Second Lieutenant Henry Cope Evans DSO (July 26, 1880 – September 3, 1916) was a brave pilot during World War I. He became known as a "flying ace" because he shot down five enemy aircraft. All his victories happened while he was flying an Airco DH.2 plane.

Henry Cope Evans's Early Life and Military Service

Henry Cope Evans was the only son of W. H. and Alice M. Evans. He grew up in Camberley, Surrey, England. He went to Woodcote House School and then to Haileybury.

As a young man, Henry moved to Ontario, Canada. He wanted to learn about fruit farming there. He was also a very good sportsman and horseman. He was well-known for playing polo in Western Canada.

Serving in the Boer War

Henry Evans joined the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery during the Second Boer War. This war took place in South Africa. He served there for one year as part of "C" Battery.

After the war, he returned to Canada. He started ranching near Macleod, Alberta. He also worked for the Government as a Range Rider, which meant he looked after cattle ranges.

Joining World War I

When World War I began, Henry Evans joined the army again. On September 23, 1914, he enlisted as a trooper in the 19th Alberta Dragoons. He arrived in England with the first group of Canadian soldiers in November 1914.

He served with the Dragoons in France from February to September 1915. He was promoted to sergeant. During this time, he was badly affected by poison gas, which was a dangerous weapon used in the war.

Becoming a Pilot in the Royal Flying Corps

Because of his injuries, Henry Evans was transferred to the Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force of the British Army at the time. He became a temporary second lieutenant on September 13, 1915.

On September 25, he joined No. 24 Squadron RAF at the front lines. He officially became a flying officer (observer) on November 22.

Pilot Training

In January 1916, Henry Evans went back to England for pilot training. He became a flying officer on May 15. He earned his pilot's license, called the Royal Aero Club Aviator's Certificate No. 2603. He got this after flying a Maurice Farman biplane at the Military Flying School in Farnborough on May 23.

Flying Ace Achievements

Henry Evans rejoined 24 Squadron on July 4, 1916. He quickly started achieving victories in the air.

• His first victory was on July 20. He forced a Roland C.II plane down out of control over Fleurs.
• The very next day, he destroyed another enemy aircraft over Combles.
• Between August 6 and 9, he destroyed three more enemy planes.

With these five confirmed victories, he earned the title of "flying ace." A flying ace is a military pilot who has shot down five or more enemy aircraft.

His Final Flight

Sadly, Henry Evans was shot down and killed on September 3, 1916. This happened during a morning patrol over the British Fourth Army front. He was hit by German anti-aircraft fire from the ground.

His body was never found. Because of this, he is remembered at the Arras Flying Services Memorial in France. This memorial honors airmen who died in World War I and have no known grave.

Awards and Recognition

Henry Evans received two important awards after his death. These awards were officially announced in September 1916 and January 1917.

Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

The Distinguished Service Order is a very high award for bravery in battle. Henry Evans received it for his "conspicuous gallantry and skill." This means he showed great courage and ability in attacking enemy aircraft. He often fought against many enemy planes at once.

The award mentioned that in just two weeks, he brought down four enemy machines. On one occasion, he even returned with his own plane badly damaged, showing his determination.

Mention in Dispatches

Henry Evans was also "Mentioned in Dispatches." This means his name was included in a special report by General Sir Douglas Haig. General Haig was the Commander-in-Chief of the British Armies in France. Being mentioned in these reports was another way to recognize a soldier's bravery and good service.